Higher Risk for Cancer in LGBTQ Youth

A recent report in the American Journal of Public Health has found that Queer youth face an elevated cancer risk. The study analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, finding that Queer youth are more likely to smoke, drink, and initiate sexual activity at an earlier age than their heterosexual counterparts. The report cites low rates of HPV education and vaccination as another risk for cancer. The study’s author, Margaret Rosario, PhD at CUNY’s Department of Psychology, also notes that poor diet and inactivity puts many Queer individuals at risk, especially sexual minority women.